Named one of Variety’s “Top Ten Animators to Watch” in 2024, creator, showrunner, director and writer Echo Wu has quickly made a name for herself in the entertainment industry through the profound, engaging stories she has bought to life on screen. Echo’s passion for animation was ignited at a young age by enchanting magical girl anime such as Sailor Moon and Card Captor Sakura. As a first-generation Chinese American, she grew up watching DVD’s that were dubbed in Mandarin and notes she would study the films and series, pinpointing mannerisms and what made the storytelling dynamic on her TV. After earning her BFA in Animation from Ringling College of Art and Design, Echo relocated to Los Angeles to dive into screenwriting. When she’s not working, Echo enjoys long boarding and is a self-proclaimed aficionado of chocolate croissants. She currently lives in the Los Angeles area.

I had the opportunity to interview Echo, which you can read below.

First of all, welcome to Geeks OUT! Could you tell us a little about yourself?

Hi! My name is Echo Wu. I am the creator and executive producer of Jentry Chau vs. the Underworld. I am an animation nerd and a chocolate croissant connoisseur. 

What can you tell us about your show, Jentry Chau vs. The Underworld? What was the inspiration for this project?

It’s a series inspired by my upbringing in Carrollton, Texas. I wanted to make a series that I would have loved to watch religiously growing up. I had always loved teen romance, horror, and action so I wanted to make something that had all of those pieces combined. 

Were there any books/films/music/etc. that influenced you while creating this project?

Yes! I collected a bunch of references from shows like EUPHORIA and anime like JUJUTSU KAISEN. I also put a Spotify playlist together of all the songs I think Jentry would listen to and there were artists like BILLIE EILISH and BLACKPINK. The show is very vibey and I wanted to share that with the crew.  

As a writer, what drew you to the art of storytelling, particularly animation?

Well, I studied animation in college. I loved to draw growing up but fell in love with screenwriting when I moved to Los Angeles. I have always loved how versatile animation. I love that you can convey emotions without dialogue. 

What are some of your favorite elements of the animation process? What do you consider some of the most challenging? 

I love love love finding the art and design for the show. It is so fun to see other artists take the ideas that you have and make them better! As for challenges, I think its always difficult trying to find a balance of comedy and horror. 

Not only does Jentry Chau vs. The Underworld feature some stunning animation and incredible music (including that theme song!), but it also discusses upon some relevant themes like self-autonomy, generational trauma, and navigating one’s personal identity. What does it mean to you as a creator putting those elements into the show?

Thank you! We’re so proud of the Jentry theme song. And yeah, it’s very cathartic to see that the issues that are important to me also resonate with the audience. I think as human beings we’re all trying to find some sort of connection and feel normal. It’s really lovely getting messages from people who pick up on these themes and have felt seen because of it. 

Jentry Chau vs. The Underworld is known for its inclusion of Chinese mythology, such as Jiangshi and Mogui characters featured. What drew you to featuring these specific elements in your show, and was any specific research involved?

I mean I grew up being super entranced by the Monkey King in Journey to the West. That’ was my first impression of what a Mogui was and I always thought it was funny that in western culture a Mogwai and a Gremlin, two completely different creatures from different mythologies, were the same thing. On the show, we had an amazing cultural consultant who was invaluable in helping build out the supernatural world of Jentry. 

Can you give us any trivia (that hasn’t already been given) about the characters from Jentry Chau vs. The Underworld?

Hmmm….. I guess I would say that Jentry’s friend from Seoul, Tokki, was inspired by the moon rabbit in Korean mythology. 

What advice might you have to give for aspiring creatives out there?

This is so cliché, but don’t give up! I would encourage aspiring creatives to hone in on their voices and their specific points of view. 

Are there any other projects you are working on and at liberty to speak about?

I have a lot of fun stuff in development but can’t speak about yet 🙂 

Finally, what media would you recommend to the readers of Geeks OUT? 

My go-to favs are Chainsaw Man and Joy Luck Club.